Transmission slip? 00' Excursion - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Aquaticedge · #1 05-05-2010, 11:51 PM

I've noticed something odd, and I don't know really if it's a slip or just normal. on my excursion I've noticed a sort of Shimmy at about 45-50MPH. It's best described as the transmission cant decide what Gear to use and hops between the 2... but it's not like a normal shift, its more subtle, and I want to head off any problems while they remain small... Any ideas? It's a 7.3L Power Stroke 190,000 Miles

aklim · #2 05-06-2010, 01:09 AM

Trans is a 4R100. Does it feel like someone hit the E-brake? Reason I asked is that some have said that late 00s might have the diode.

Either way, I think your best bet is to call the premier guy on the 4R100. Brian Thompson. He runs Brian's Truck Shop, affectionately known as BTS. He will answer your question even if you don't buy something from him. A good example is that he was even reluctant to talk to me about a TC and recommended against it when I bought a valve body from him. Thankfully I didn't since the diode locked up and trashed the trans. Thanks, Ford.

If he doesn't give you good news, it is highly likely to be the truth. He has even saved people from full rebuilds because he had a simple fix. For $4100 plus shipping he would sell you a rebuilt trans and dare you to break it. Warranty is for 2 yrs and only difference is the shipping. After 2 yrs, you pay for it. Rebuild is free anyways. He has rebuilt a truck from a guy who races it and breaks it about 6 times in the last 8 years without an issue. He doesn't care what power level you have it at.

aklim · #3 05-06-2010, 01:10 AM

Could it be the Valve Body that is somehow clogged up? How long since you changed the fluid?

Aquaticedge · #4 05-06-2010, 01:43 AM

the Trans fluid is pretty new looking, I've never had it done myself but someone cared for this truck enough to set it up for towing, and I assume they went and took care of the Trans too, I'll look again and check the levels.. How would I check this E-brake Diode? and where is the trans shop you reccomend?

BobK · #5 05-06-2010, 07:36 AM

Thta transmission is known to die around 140k. Mine puked at about 146k. It was kind enough to finally quit after I had backed the camper into the driveway. Somebody was looking out for me that day. I had an aftermarket warranty so I had to have transmission rebuilt at a local (and very good) shop. Price was about $2300. Otherwise, I probably would have gone with the BTS transmission since I tow a lot and reliability is top priority with me. BTS has a solid rep in the truck/4x4 world.

aklim · #6 05-06-2010, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquaticedge

the Trans fluid is pretty new looking, I've never had it done myself but someone cared for this truck enough to set it up for towing, and I assume they went and took care of the Trans too, I'll look again and check the levels.. How would I check this E-brake Diode? and where is the trans shop you reccomend?

When was it possibly last changed? How long have you had it? What do you mean they set it up for towing? Check the fluid levels and check the smell too.

As to whether you have the dreaded diode that feels like an E-brake application sometimes when it goes, check with Brian. 870-422-3673. He is in AR. Call him and hold for him because he often gets swamped and might not return a call. I have been there and he has no less than 5 stickies that he has to get to during his break

www.brianstruckshop.com and he can ship

Jim H · #7 05-06-2010, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquaticedge

...I've noticed a sort of Shimmy at about 45-50MPH. It's best described as the transmission cant decide what Gear to use and hops between the 2... but it's not like a normal shift, its more subtle,...

We had a Grand Marquis that had that same symptom. It turned out that the torque converter clutch was 'shuddering' each time it was signaled to lock up. Watch your tachometer and see if this 'shudder' coincides with a slight drop in rpm at a steady speed and with constant throttle position.

In our car, this was easily corrected by a transmission fluid change and addition of the correct FoMoCo 'viscosity modifier' for that transmission.

Have a good independent technician, transmission shop or your dealer check it out.

Good Luck and let us know.

aklim · #8 05-06-2010, 08:51 AM

While the TC has been a problem, I think at 190K the trans is giving out. Give Brian a call, he has done so many of them he can diagnose it pretty accurately over the phone with some questions.

Aquaticedge · #9 05-06-2010, 01:52 PM

there is no Drop in RPM's to indicate any T.C problems, It's a shudder not a drop in power, if you accelerate it goes away. as for the truck being setup for towing, someone did a lot of work to it, they've done something with the turbo, Air shocks in the back, heavier Tow hitch/Electrical systems etc. I've had this truck since feb/march Fluid is the normal color and has no odd/burnt smell as I've seen on some of my trans failure vehicles..I'll poke around and see if I can find a trans with low mileage just to be sure.. never hurts to have a spare sitting around

Skid Row Joe · #10 05-06-2010, 02:23 PM

I'm running a 2002 7.3 PSD, currently with 70K or so miles on it - I bought it near new with 5K miles on it.

Q: Did you service your PSD's transmission before the 146K mark when it pooped out? I don't service my transmissions before 100K - I am wondering if I should get my PSD's transmission serviced for the first time? BTW - my PSD hauls around a GVW of 13,000 pounds 100% of the time. Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobK

Thta transmission is known to die around 140k. Mine puked at about 146k. It was kind enough to finally quit after I had backed the camper into the driveway. Somebody was looking out for me that day. I had an aftermarket warranty so I had to have transmission rebuilt at a local (and very good) shop. Price was about $2300. Otherwise, I probably would have gone with the BTS transmission since I tow a lot and reliability is top priority with me. BTS has a solid rep in the truck/4x4 world.

Skid Row Joe · #11 05-06-2010, 02:27 PM

This exact thing would happen top my 1980 Lincoln TC with the 4-speed overdrive transmission. It would shudder violently - but wouldn't do it all the time. The good news is that other than me servicing the trans. (fluid/gasket/filter change) just once in 269K miles - it never let me down.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim H

We had a Grand Marquis that had that same symptom. It turned out that the torque converter clutch was 'shuddering' each time it was signaled to lock up.

aklim · #12 05-06-2010, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquaticedge

there is no Drop in RPM's to indicate any T.C problems, It's a shudder not a drop in power, if you accelerate it goes away. as for the truck being setup for towing, someone did a lot of work to it, they've done something with the turbo, Air shocks in the back, heavier Tow hitch/Electrical systems etc. I've had this truck since feb/march Fluid is the normal color and has no odd/burnt smell as I've seen on some of my trans failure vehicles..I'll poke around and see if I can find a trans with low mileage just to be sure.. never hurts to have a spare sitting around

Why would you part with a trans that has low mileage? Unless you got into an accident. Is that going to be reliable after that? I don't know but if I can't get it for more than a core price, I wouldn't. Have you called Brian or his son Cale yet?

Aquaticedge · #13 05-06-2010, 02:49 PM

No I have not, I'm working on several projects here and there's people all over prepping the house to re-roof...

BobK · #14 05-06-2010, 04:08 PM

SKJ,
we bought the truck with 134k on it in the winter and really had done nothing to the transmission until it pooped the following summer. Yeah, it was driven a lot (kid away at college). People that rebuilt it said a thrust washer wears and breaks and lets fluid presure drop. I was backing the camper in ok and went to pull it forward a touch and nobody was home in drive (or any other gear). I would probably pay a shop to swap out the transmission as my truck is 4wd and everything is very heavy (and I'm too old for that anymore).
Mine is a 2000 7.3 4WD and weighs 8000+ lbs with just me in it.

lutzTD · #15 05-07-2010, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobK

Thta transmission is known to die around 140k. Mine puked at about 146k. It was kind enough to finally quit after I had backed the camper into the driveway. Somebody was looking out for me that day. I had an aftermarket warranty so I had to have transmission rebuilt at a local (and very good) shop. Price was about $2300. Otherwise, I probably would have gone with the BTS transmission since I tow a lot and reliability is top priority with me. BTS has a solid rep in the truck/4x4 world.

mine went at 150K, I used it hard for towing a 24ft enclosed cross country many times overloaded. I paid 4K installed for a 3yr warrantee new replacement at the Ford dealer, any ford dealer will cover it. The rebuild was 3300 with 1 yr warrantee at the dealer I got the work, which is 950 miles from home. I didnt get a slip before it just felt like the e brake was on and then it grenaded. they had the new one switched in over the thanksgiving holiday. broke tues, towed in weds, thanks giving thursa, picked it up fri at noon.